Motor-controller.



` W. c. STEVENS.

MOTOR GQNTROLLER. APPLIOATION FILED JUNE 1. 1909'.

Patented June 20, 1911.

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SAUTJVE55E'57 UNITED strass Parnu Error..

'WILLIAM C. STEVENS, OF PITTSBUBG, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOB TO THE CUTLER- "HAMMER MFG. CO., OF MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN, A CORPORATION 0F WISCONSIN.

MOTOR-CONTROLLER.

i speciacauon of Letters Patent. Patented J une 20; 1911,

'application med-June' 1, 1909. seriarn'o. 499,403.

trollers are used in many instances and are particularly useful where it isdesired to stop the mechanism operated by the motor in predetermined positions. In controllers used for this purpose, the, slow down mechanism isusually set in operation before the motor circuit is opened, and its operation is so timed that when the motor circuit is finally opened, the motor will be brought to rest within a predetermined time. llt .will thus be apparent that if the slow down mechanism fails to operate from any cause, the motor will continue to operate at full speed until its circuit is opened, with the result that the inertia of the driven mechanism will cause the operation of the motor to be unduly prolonged after its circuit is opened. Hence, the motor will fail to stop the driven mechanism in the proper position. Failure of the slow down mechanism to operate is very likely to cause disastrous results to the driven mechanism. For instance, where such controllers are depended upon to automatically stop an elevator at the limits of its travel, failure of the slow ldown mechanism to operate is very likely to result in the complete destruction of the carand serious damage to its shaft. c

My invention, therefore, has for its object to provide, means for automatically disconnecting the motor from circuit immediately upon failure of the slow down mechanism to operate. I also preferably provide a mechanical brake for the motor arranged to be applied immediately upon the opening of the motor circuit. l With this arrangement, a sutticient length of time is insured in which to bring the motor to `rest without the aid of the slow down mechanism, and, hence, all damage arising vfrom failure of the slow down mechanism to operate is obviated.

For the purpose of more fully disclosing the characteristic features of my invention,`

l shall describe the controller which is illustrated diagrammatically in the accompanying drawing. The drawing merely illustrates the general principles of my invention and simply shows diagrammatically one form in which it may be embodied. l have made no attempt, in the drawing, to illustrate all of the apparatus which would be used in my controller in practice, but have eliminated many devices that would be used,

so as to simplify the illustration and description of my invention. It should be understood that my invention may be used in various other relations, and that it is capable of various modifications. The drawing should, therefore, be constructed in an illustrative sense and not in a limiting manner.

rlhe controller illustratedis provided for controlling a motor M, arranged to operate a hoisting drum 1. IThe hoisting drum 1 isV connected by suitable cable 2 to a suitable hoist 3. For the purpose, of illustration, l have shown -suitable guides 4 4 for the hoist. The motor may be of any preferred type. As diagrammatically illustrated in the drawing, the motor M is provided with an armature A, a series field winding l? and a shunt field winding f. For controlling the direction ofthe How ofcurrent through the motor armature, l have shown reversing switches 7, 8, 9 and 10 which are arranged in pairs.v The switches 7 and 8-are each provided with an operating winding 11, which windings are connected in parallel. rlhe switches 9 and 10 are each provided with an operating winding 12, which windings are also connected in parallel. The switches 8 and 9 are arranged to operate auxiliary in the circuit of the motor are resistance's R R1 and R2, which are controlled by switches 13, 14 and 15. The switches 13, 14 and 15 are provided with operating windings 13, 1li and 15a respectively. The switches 13 and 14 are provided with auxiliary contacts 17 and 18 respectively, each adapt-ed to engage a stationary contact for the purpose hereinafter set forth. ln addition to the switches mentioned, I rovide another switch 19, the purpose of w lch will be hereinafter more fully set forth. The switch 19 is provided with an operating winding 19a. 'The core of the winding 19a is provided with a tail rod' which. carries a contact disk 2O adapted, when the switch 19 is open, to

` engage a pair of contacts 21, and, when the switch 1,9 is closed, to engage a pair of contacts 22. A resistance 23 is provided in circuit with the switch 19 for the purpose hereinafter set forth.

Arranged in the path of the hoist 3 and adapted to be actuated thereby, as the same approaches the limits of its travel, are suitable limit switches. I prefer to provide two of these limit switches to be actuated at each limit of the hoist.` For the purpose of distinction, I will designate the switches at the upper limit as 25 and 26, and the switches at the lower limit as 25 and 261. The switches 25 and 25a are each arranged to engage a singlevcontact and are normally held in engagement therewith by any suitable means,

such as springs 27. The switches 26 and 26a are adapted, when in one position, to engage contacts 28 and- 29 respectively, and, when in another position, to engage contacts 29 and 28 respectively. Suitable means, such as springs, are provided for normally holding the switches 26 and 26 in engagement with the contacts 28 and 29 respectively. In order thatthe switches 26 and 26, when operated, may engage one contact before leaving the other contact, I preferably provide the same with yielding contact pieces 30. Each of the switches 25, 26, 25 and 26a is provided with a roller, or any other suitable means, adapted to engage by the hoist 3 to actuate the same. The limit switches are so arranged that the switches 26 and 26 will be operated prior to the operation of the switches 25 and 25.

In practice, I preferably provide a suitable mechanical brake 32, adapted to be applied to the motor or to one of the driven parts. In practice, I also prefer to have the mechanical brake applied automatically upon disconnecting the motor from circuit. To accomplish this result, I may provide a coil 32, arranged in the motor circuit for withdrawing the brake. Ihe winding 32 would be de'energized upon the opening of the motor circuit, thereby causing the mechanical brake to be immediately applied. Of course, this result might be accomplished in various other ways.

Current is supplied to the motor and to the operating windings of the various switches from main "lines 33 and 34 through a double pole switch 35. For initially controlling the circuits of the operating windings cf the various switches, I have shown a master switch 36, which may be located on the car and adapted to be moved into engagement with either the contact 37 or 38. Of course, in practice, the switch 36 may assume any preferred form. e

I shall now describe the operation of the controller, assuming that the hoist 3 is in the a circuit from main line 33, through switch 35 by conductors 40 and 41, through the switch 36 and contact 37, by conductor 42, through the windings 11 of the switches 7 and 8 in parallel, by conductors 43 and 44, to contact 29 of switch 26, through switch 26a by conductors 45 and 46 to the opposite side of the main line. This causes the energization of the windings 11, which, in turn, close the switches 7 and 8. This completes the motor circuit from conductor 40, by conductor 47, through the resistances R, R and It, by conductors 48 and 49, through the switch 7, by conductor 50, through the motor armature A, by conductor 51, through the switch 8, by conductors 52, 53 and 54, through the brake coil 32 and 'series eld winding F, by conductor55 to conductor 46, and thence to the opposite side of the main line. The circuit for the shunt field winding j extends from conductor 4l through the winding ,'F to conductor 55. The brake coil 32 now being energized, withdraws the mechanical brake, thereby allowing the motor to start with all of the starting resistance in circuit. The motor being thus started, causes the hoist 3 to descend, with the result that the limit switch 25 is first released. and then the limit switch 26 is released. Upon the release of the switch 26, the circuit of the winding 19 is opened, with the result that the switch 19 opens and the switch 2O engages contacts 21. Upon the occurrence of these conditions, circuit is closed from conductor 41 by conductor -56 through the switch 8 by conductor 57, through the winding 13 of the resistance switch 13, by conductor 58, across switch 20 to conductor 46. r1`his causes the energization of the winding 13', which closes the switch 13, thereby removing `the resistance R from the motor circuit. Closure of the switch 13 causes the auxiliary switch 17, operated thereby, to complete the circuit of the winding 14. rThis circuit may be traced from conductor 47 throughfthe switch 13, contact 17, through the winding 14 to conductor 58. r1`he switch 14 then closes, thereby removing the resistance R from the motor circuit. Closure of the switch 14 in turn completes the circuit of the winding 15, which causes the switch 15 to close, thereby removing resistance R2 from the motor circuit. The motor is thus brought up to normal speed. As the hoist approaches the lower limit of its travel, it

first engages the limit switch 26, thereby disengaging the same from the contact 29 scarso turn, closes the switch 19, and causes` the switch 20 to engage the contacts 22. Upon leaving the contact 29a, the switch 26a interrupts the circuit of the windings 11, and said windings would then become denergized, but for the fact that the closure of the switch 20 completes a maintaining circuit therefor from conductor 44 by conductor 62, through the limit switch a, by conductors 63 and 64, through the switch 2O by conductor 65 to conductor 4.6. Hence, if the switch -19 responds upon the operation of the switch 26, a maintalning circuit will be established for the windings of the reversing. switches through limit switch 25, On the other hand, if the switch 19'fails to operate from any cause kwhatever upon the operation of the limit switch 26, the circuit of the windings 11 will be opened, thereby releasing the switches 7 and 8. The switches 7 and 8 would then open, thereby interrupting the motorcircuit, and .denergizing the lbrake coil 32a. The mechanical brake would then be immediately applied, thereby bringing the motor togrest 1n a short time. If the switch 19 does respond', it opens the circuits of the windings of the resistance switches at contacts `21, thereby causing said switches to open successively to reinsert the starting re7 sistances in circuit to gradually slow down the motor. Closure of the switch 19 also completes a dynamic braking circuit across the terminals of the motor armature. This circuit may be traced from one terminal of the motor armature by conductor 51 through switch 8, by conductors 52 and 53, through the resistance 23, across switch 19, by conductors 48" and 49, through the switch 7 by conductor 50 to the other terminal of the motor armature. Further downward movement of the hoist opens the switch 25, which causes denergization of the windings vof the reversing switches 7 and 8, thereby entirely disconnecting the motor from the supply circuit and denergizing the bralrecoil 32a. Byv this time, the motor has been slowed down to a low speed and the application of the mechanical brake quickly brings themotor to a standstill.'

From the foregoing, it will be seen that if the switch 19 fails to respond, or opens after being .once closed, the maintaining circuit of 'the windings of the reversing switches would immediately be yo cned, thereby *causing the motor to be isconnected' fromV circuit, and causing the mechanical brake to be mmcxiiately applied. This arrangement insures the stopping of the motor in ample time to avoid danger, even though the slow down mechanism fails to operate.

To operate the car inthe opposite direction, the switch 36 should be thrown into engagement with contact 38. This would cause the energization of the windings of the reversin switches 9 and 10, which would then c ose, thereby causing current to How through the motor circuit in an opposite direction to that previously described. The remaining operation of the controller would be substantially like that already described, inasmuch as the limit switch 26 performs the same functions as the' switch 26a, and the switch 25 performs the same functions as the switch 25B.

' Iclaim- 1.. In a controller for electric motors, in combination, automatic means for slowing down the motor, and means for automatically disconnecting the motor from circuit upon failure of said first mentioned means to operate. I

2. In a controller for electric motors, in combination, means for automatically slowing down the motor, and means for automatically disconnecting the motor from circuit and causing the application'of a mechanical brake upon fallure of-said first mentioned means to o erate.

3. In a" controller or electric motors, in combination, a plurality of automaticmeans for slowin down the motor, and means for automatica ly disconnecting the motor fromi circuit upon failure of said first mentioned means to operate.

4. In a controller for stopping electric motors, in combination, automatlc means for controlling vthe motor circuit, automatic means for slowing down the motor, and a controller for both of said means arranged to cause the said second mentioned means to operate, and vto cause said first mentioned means to immediately disconnect the motor from circuit upon failure of said second mentioned means to operate.

5. InA a controller for stopping electric motors, in combination, automatic means for controlling the motor circuit, automatic means for slowing down the motor, a controller for both of said means arranged to cause the said second mentioned means to operate, and to cause said rst mentioned means to immediately disconnect the motor from circuit upon failure of said second mentioned means to operate, and an automatically controlled mechanical brake arranged to be applied when the motor is disconnected from circuit.

motors, in combination, automatic means y controller ineffective to cause the motor to be disconnected from circuit if mentioned means operates.

i. In a controller for stopping electric motors, in combination, automatic means for controlling the motor circuit, automatic said second means for slowing down the motor, a controller adapted to be actuated to cause said second mentioned means to operate, and tending, at the same time, to cause said first mentioned means to disconnect the motor from circuit, means for rendering said controller ineffective, to cause the motor to be disconnected from circuit if said second mentioned means operates, and an electromagnetically controlled mechanical brake arranged to be applied when the motor is disconnected from circuit.

8. In a controller for electric motors, in combination, electromagnetic means for controlling the motor circuit, electromagnetic means for slowing down the motor, a controller adapted, when actuated, to cause the operation of said second mentioned means, and to cause the denergization of said first mentioned means, and means for automatically establishing a maintaining circuit for said rst mentioned means upon the operation of said second mentioned means.

9. In a controller for stopping electric motors, in combination, electromagnetic means for controlling the motor circuit, electromagnetic means for slowing down the motor, a switch tending to stand in position to maintain said first mentioned means energiZe-d and adapted to be .actuated to cause the energization of Said second mentioned means and the denergization of said first mentioned means, and means orautomatically establishing a maintaining circuit for said I irst mentioned means upon the operation of said second mentioned means.

10. In a controller for stopping electric motors, in combination, electromagnetic means for controlling the motor circuit, electromagnetic means for slowing down the motor, and a limit switch adapted to be automatically operated to cause the operation of said second mentioned means, and to cause said first mentioned means to disconnect the motor from circuit upon failure of said second mentioned means to operate.

11. In a controller for stopping .electric motors, in combination, electromagnetic means for controlling the motor circuit, electromagnetic means for slowing down the motor, a limit switch adapted to be automatically operated to cause the operation eeareo of said second mentioned means, and to cause said lirst mentioned means to disconnect the motorom circuit upon` failure of said second mentioned means to operate, and an electromagnetically controlled mechanical bralre arranged to .be applied upon disconnecting the motor from circuit, Y

l2. ln a controller for stopping' electric motors, in combination, electromagnetic means for controlling the motor circuit, electromagnetic means for slowing down 'the motor, a limit switch adapted to be automatically operated to cause the operation of said second mentioned means, and to cause said lirst mentioned means to disconnect the motor :from circuit upon failure of said second mentioned means to operate, and another limit switch adapted to be automatically actuated to cause said rst mentioned means to disconnect the motor from -circuit after the same has been slowed down.

13. ln a controller for stopping electric motors, in combination, electromagnetic means for controlling the motor circuit, electromagnetic means for slowing down the motor, a limit switch adapted to be automatically operated to cause the operation of said second mentioned means, and tending, at the same time, to cause the dener gization of said lirst mentioned means, means for establishing a maintaining circuit or said first mentioned means upon the operation of said secondvmentioned means, and another limit'switch arranged to be automatically operated at a predetermined time, to open the maintaining circuit for said first mentioned means, to disconnect the motor from circuit.

lll. In a controller for electric motors, in combination, automatic means for starting and accelerating the motor, automatic means for slowing down the motor, and a limit switch arranged to cause the operation of said slow down means', and to cause the motor .to be immediately disconnected from circuit upon failure oia the slow down means to operate.

l5. In a controller for electric motors, in combination, automatic means for starting and accelerating the motor, automatic means for slowing down the motor, a limit switch arranged to cause the operation of said slow down means, and to cause the motor to be immediately disconnected from circuit upon failure of the slow down means to operate, and an automatically controlled mechanical brake adapted'to be applied upon discon necting the motor from circuit.

16. ln a controller for electric motors, in combination, electromagnetically' operated switches for starting, accelerating and slowing down the motor, and a plurality of limit switches, certain of said limit switches being arranged to cause certain of said electromagnetic switches to operate to slow lll] pas

down the motor, and to cause other of said switches to disconnect the motor from circuit upon failure of the slow down switches to operate, and other of said limit switches being arranged to cause the motor to be disconnected from circuit after the same has been slowed'down.

17. In a controller for electric motors, in`

combination, electromagnetically operated switches for starting, accelerating and slowing down the motor, a lurality of limit switches, certain of said limit swltches being arranged to cause certain of said electromagnetic switches to operate `to slow down the motor, and to cause other of said switches to disconnect the motor from circuit upon failure of the slow down switches to operate, and other of said limit switches being arranged to cause the motor to be dis-A connected from circuit after the same has been slowed down, and an electromagnetically controlled mechanical brake adapted to be applied upon' disconnecting the motor from circuit.

JIn witness whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name inA the presence of two witnesses.

WILLIAM o. STEVENS@ Witnesses:

EDWARD T. FRANK H. BBARD. 

